Navigating Culture & Identity in Relationships with Christie Kim, LMHC

Practically Married with Paula Holt

Christie Kim, therapist and co-host of the Beyond the Couch podcast joins us to discuss the various ways culture and identity impact our intimate relationships. We start the conversation by emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and how using a social identity wheel is useful in determining which aspects of our identity we prioritize. Christie goes on to to explain differences in collectivist vs individualist cultures and gives examples of possible expectations of partners from collectivist backgrounds.
Later, Christie describes some of the ways identity can impact our relationships on a daily basis, from where we live, to how often we see our families/in-laws, and even how we pay for weddings. She encourages us to come to win-win compromises, and gives practical solutions to some common relationship challenges.
Finally, we discuss how couples can navigate difficult events in society such as police shootings and hate crimes.
Learn more about Christie Kim's work:

• Christie Kim Psychotherapy
• Bridges (a resource to support the mental health of Asian, Pacific Islander & South Asian Americans)
• @bridgesmentalhealth on Instagram
• Beyond the Couch (a podcast exploring the intersection of Asian, Pacific Islander & South Asian American identity and mental health)

Additional resources:

• Social Identity Wheel
• 10 Questions Checklist (download this FREE list of questions covering each of the Practically Married subjects)

If you like what you heard...

• Follow Practically Married with Paula Holt on your favorite podcast platform to get every episode!
• Visit PracticallyMarried.net/Newsletter to sign up and receive even more relationship info and resources!
• Follow @getpracticallymarried on Instagram to tell us about your experiences using the strategies you hear on the show!

Edited by Veronica Gruba
Music by Sage Holt-Hall